A few tips from your credit union on the Equifax breach

Whenever a breach of Equifax magnitude hits the media, it fosters uncertainty and leaves us wondering how to protect ourselves as consumers. The best practice is simple; be a good steward of your credit and money at all times.

Ideal Credit Union’s promise is to remain vigilant in efforts to protect sensitive member data as well as apply thorough member verification standards at each interaction when you call, transact, open an account, apply for a loan etc. just as we always have. So be patient when we verify who you are each and every time.

You the consumer must also do your part to monitor your accounts AND credit bureau activity. This includes reviewing your statements frequently to identify any suspicious activity and keeping close tabs on what’s happening on your credit report.

The good news is there are many free tools and resources to help with this like the ones below (not endorsed by Ideal and links are for educational purposes only):

• As a result of the breach, Equifax is providing a free credit monitoring service. 
• Credit Karma and AnnualCreditReport.Com are options to receive a free credit report once per year.
• Notify the credit bureau to place a freeze or fraud alert on your credit. Learn more about that here https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-do.
• Use fraud alerts services within online/mobile banking, credit and debit cards when possible (Ideal offers all of this).
• Protect your information and NEVER give out online banking credentials, passwords, card numbers or account numbers when you did not initiate businesses with either by phone or phishing scams, etc.
• Visit our Equifax Breach page for additional information and tools.

At the end of the day, it’s on you to take action and protect your identity and hard earned dollars from fraud.